Rain or shine, dadi ke nuskhe never go out of style!
Despite much-needed relief from the scorching heat, monsoon brings a new set of skin challenges. Clogged pores, acne flare-ups, fungal infections – you just name it. While there are a dozen chemical-laden products available in the market, sometimes the best solutions are found right in your kitchen cabinet – or better yet, in your grandma’s memory bank.
Believe it or not, Indian grandmothers were the OG dermatologists – long before serums and masks took over the skincare market. Their age-old beauty tips are incredibly effective, especially during these unpredictable monsoon seasons.
Following is a comprehensive monsoon skincare guide that revisits grandma’s wisdom, combining tradition with a modern twist.
Monsoons are the ideal occasion for acne, thanks to the sweat, humidity and grime. One of the best monsoon skin care remedies lies in the neem leaf. Renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties since ancient times, neem helps detoxify your skin and fight acne.
DIY Tip: Boil a handful of neem leaves in water, let it cool, strain, and use it as a face rinse. You can even crush the leaves to form a paste and use as a spot treatment.
Besan and Turmeric Face Pack – The OG Glow Recipe
When your skin feels dull and lifeless, go back to the unique combo of besan (gram flour) and haldi (turmeric). This pack helps remove excess oil, exfoliates dead skin, and brings out a natural glow.
DIY Tip: Mix 2 tablespoons of besan, a pinch of turmeric, and a spoon of curd or rosewater. Apply, let it dry, and rinse gently with lukewarm water after 15-20 minutes.
If humidity turns your face into an oil slick, multani mitti (Fuller's Earth) is your saviour. It absorbs excess oil, unclogs pores, and cools the skin – simply perfect for the sticky monsoon season.
DIY Tip: Mix multani mitti with rose water or cucumber juice for a soothing mask. Use twice a week for desired results.
Fungal infections are common in monsoon-prone areas like feet, and folds of skin. Cold-pressed coconut oil, thanks to its lauric acid content, is a natural antifungal agent that also moisturizes.
DIY Tip: Apply a thin layer of virgin coconut oil on infected areas after bathing and drying properly.
If your skin feels inflamed or itchy during monsoon, grandma's favourite chandan (sandalwood) paste is your best bet. It reduces redness, soothes the skin and adds a cooling effect instantly.
DIY Tip: Mix sandalwood powder with rose water and apply evenly on your face. Rinse off after 15 minutes.
Tulsi (holy basil) is a true Ayurvedic hero. It works wonders as a toner by balancing skin pH, preventing breakouts, and keeping the skin refreshed.
DIY Tip: Boil fresh tulsi leaves in water, cool it, strain and store in a spray bottle. Use it as a mist or toner daily.
Facing dry patches despite the humidity? Raw honey can be your gentle moisturiser. Its antibacterial and humectant properties keep the skin clean as well as hydrated.
DIY Tip: Apply raw honey directly on clean skin. Keep it for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Your monsoon skincare shouldn't be complicated. These traditional remedies are simple, devoid of harmful chemicals, cost-effective, and most importantly – tried and tested through generations.
So this monsoon, trust your dadi maa’s wisdom – it still works like magic!
